History of Kappa Zeta Chapter
Kappa Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was organized at the home of Soror Helen Wilson Johnson in December of 1931, with Soror Johnson as its organizer. There were approximately twelve members namely: Sorors Jean Benson, Willa Bernice Hicks, Marzell Hill, Verdie Langrum, Grace D. Neal, Ruby Ventress, Fairillia White, Viola Dixon Cole, Mildred Davis and Helen Wilson Johnson. Charter members were Sorors Fairillia White, Jean Benson, Viola Cole, Helen Wilson Johnson and Lillian Bolden.
Like other Zeta chapters, Kappa Zeta had as its objective the ideals of service, scholarship and sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.
The chapter sponsors five undergraduate chapters: Chi Delta at Texas Women's University; Rho Delta at University of North Texas; Tau Beta at Paul Quinn College; Rho the Dallas Metroplex City Chapter; and Alpha Epsilon at Texas A&M University at Commerce.
Kappa Zeta chapter has provided Zeta Phi Beta Sorority with two of its oldest and most long standing traditions:
| * | The first "Blue Revue", a national scholarship observance, was held by Kappa Zeta in 1933. It later became a national project when Sorors Mildred Davis and Helen Johnson presented the idea at the Boule of 1933 in New York. |
| * | Between the years of 1946 and 1948, Soror Marion Dillard introduced the idea of "Woman of the Year" to Kappa Zeta. Afterward, she served as chairman of the "Woman of the Year" committee for 3 years. Later she presented the idea to the Southern region and it became a regional project. Today, "Woman of the Year" observances are included in most Finer Womanhood celebrations throughout Zetadom. |
Other notable facts about Kappa Zeta Chapter:
| * | The oldest active graduate chapter in the Southern Region (comprised of Louisiana and Texas). |
| * | Dallas Zeta Amicae auxiliary was chartered by the chapter in 1949. |
| * | In 1955, Sorors Lucille McGaughey, Mary Carter, Josie Washington and Enola Mitchell became the first four Life Members of Kappa Zeta Chapter. |
| * | The first recipient of the Nancy B. McGee national scholarship was our own Soror Barbara Minor James in the amount of $1,000 in 1956. |
| * | The first Stork’s Nest for Dallas was opened in 1976 under the leadership of Basileus, Soror Evelyn Sheffield. |
| * | The first televised UNCF (United Negro College Fund) contribution was presented by Basileus, Soror Cassandra Black in 1981. |
| * | The first youth group, Zeta Archonettes, was organized in 1982. Soror Cassandra Black was Chapter Basileus. |
| * | The first grant for Stork’s Nest was written by Soror Patricia Cherry, in the amount of $2,500.00, during the administration of Soror Mary Frances Birdsong. |
| * | At the 1986 Boule, during the administration of Soror Dr. Nell Ingram, Basileus, the chapter received the first Outstanding Graduate Chapter Premier Report Award, along with the First Place Award for Graduate Chapter Scrapbook and the coveted Outstanding Graduate Chapter Award. |
| * | While serving as Basileus Soror Valinda Samples chartered the second youth group, Zeta Amicettes, in 1987. |
| * | Stork’s Nest Charity Fund of Dallas was established as a 501(c.)3 tax exempt entity of the chapter. Soror Virgie Hunter was serving as the Basileus. |
| * | The Pearlettes, the third youth group, began during the tenure of Basileus Ellen Perry in 1994. |
| * | During the 1998 Boule in Atlanta, for the second time the chapter received both the Outstanding Chapter Award (Diamond)and the Graduate Chapter Report Award. Soror Dr. Lavern Holyfield was serving as Basileus. The chapter also celebrated receiving the first Graduate Membership Growth Award at the 1998 Boule, which was shared by two administrations; Basilei Sorors Annie Nelson and Dr. Lavern Holyfield. |
| * | In 2000, the chapter purchased a house at 2629 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. for future community activities. Also during this year, the first Community Family Fair was held. Soror Dr. Lavern Holyfield was the Basileus. |